They are the words that passengers on a cramped airplane awaiting takeoff never want to hear. But for those aboard US Airways Flight 2846 in Phoenix last weekend, the chilling announcement suddenly thrust them into the middle of a possible medical emergency involving a contagious communicable disease.

The emergency, however, seemed to be from another century. A male passenger on board likely had “active tuberculosis” and was contagious. The other passengers on the flight had been exposed. All this information was relayed by emergency personnel who came on board to remove the passenger. A flight attendant handed the slender middle-aged man suspected of having the disease a medical mask before they departed the plane.

It was cold comfort for passengers. They had already spent a couple of hours on the plane with the man, as the flight bound for Los Angeles had originated in Texas. The stop at Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport was merely a layover.

Passengers said they were advised by the emergency personnel who boarded the plane to contact their physicians immediately. But later, Arizona health officials said they are not recommending passengers on the plane seek medical care because their risk of being infected with tuberculosis is "very, very low," according to CNN.

The passenger in question has not been confirmed to have an infectious disease, a CDC spokeswoman later said. Apparently, there was no warning or flag on the passenger's record when he was going through security or when he boarded the plane.

So what would you do if you had been on board that flight and possibly exposed to TB?

Would you make a beeline for your doctor? Or would you take the governmental advice and not worry about possible exposure?

Featured Story

Get 'Today's Front Page' in your inbox

This newsletter is sent every morning at 6 a.m. and includes the morning's top stories, a full list of obituaries, links to comics and puzzles and the most recent news, sports and entertainment headlines.

optionalCheck here if you do not want to receive additional email offers and information.See our privacy policy

Thank you for signing up for 'Today's Front Page'

To view and subscribe to any of our other newsletters, please click here.